#ʻAha Pūnana Leo
Schatz secures $1.3 million earmark to support Hawaiian language early childhood education centers
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured $1.3 million in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, in this year’s appropriations deal for ʻAha Pūnana Leo. The funding will be used to train teachers, support families, and develop new early childhood education Hawaiian language materials, such as books and videos, to help young children build literacy and math skills.
OHA and partners to host first Lā Kūkahekahe in nearly a decade
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will partner with several community organizations to host the first Lā Kūkahekahe in nearly a decade.,
‘Mai Ka Pūnana Mai’ podcast delivers conversations spoken in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Since its launch, Mai Ka Pūnana Mai has become both a go-to resource and a relatable source of entertainment for individuals, families, and educators committed to normalizing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in everyday life. Each episode continues that mission with down-to-earth dialogue, cultural insight, and community connection.
New Hawaiian Language apps launched: Revolutionary literacy tools from theʻAha Pūnana Leo
ʻAha Pūnana Leo announced the release of their first iOS educational app, Ka Hakalama me Pākaʻa, a groundbreaking language tool designed to revolutionize the teaching and learning of the Hawaiian syllable chart. ‘Aha Pūnana Leo’s Kīpaepae app was designed to be used as a supplement to in-person Hui Kīpaepae ‘ohana classes or as a standalone practice tool for any learner of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.
Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui to host 37th annual Hoʻomau Benefit Concert on March 23
Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui, a parent-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Hawaiian immersion preschool program, Pūnana Leo o Maui, will host its 37th Annual Hoʻomau Benefit Concert from 9 a.m. to sunset March 23 at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
Founder describes early days of Hawaiian language immersion program, challenges
In 1986, Kīʻope Raymond was asked to join the board of the ʻAha Pūnana Leo to found the first private, nonprofit pre-school in Hawaiian language on Maui. There are now three ‘Aha Pūnana Leo schools on Maui and pathways enabling Hawaiian immersion language students to receive instruction and graduate from Lahainaluna, Hāna, and King Kekaulike high schools. Maui Now writer Gary Kubota interviewed Raymond as part of this People of Maui series.
